OKC West in El Reno had a two day run of 7,880 on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 7th and 8th. That compared to 9,998 last week.
Compared to last week: Feeder steers over 850lbs 6.00-12.00 higher, under 850lbs steady to 5.00 higher. Feeder heifers steady to 5.00 higher. The feeder market was stout throughout all classes of cattle: Thin fleshed cattle sold outstandingly well, fleshy cattle brought number 1 money, and brahma cross cattle brought enough money to almost top last week’s market. Steer calves over 500lbs steady to 5.00 higher, under 500lbs 25.00-30.00 higher, conservatively. Heifer calves 15.00-20.00 higher. The calf market has been confusing over the past few weeks, but Tuesday it turned outright erratic.
Buyers had “got to have them” orders for fly weight cattle, while 500-600lbs were only modestly higher. Calf quality was plain throughout the sale. The best quality was on unweaned calves. Most of Oklahoma received a good rain last week and now grass fever has arrived.
OKC West Manager Bill Barnhart offers his thoughts of this week’s markets: “After generous rains across most of the trade area stocker weights took another jump higher eclipsing some all time highs. Despite plenty of global turmoil feeders surged ahead too on a nice run of cattle Wednesday. Spots were up to 15.00 higher also eclipsing some record highs.
“Quite a Spring we are having! Fats sold sharply higher last week as we head into grilling season and peak beef demand. Oddly, Select grade has temporarily overtaken Choice in price underlining the big demand for grinding product.”
